Gangwon's Quest for International Schools: Balancing Education Innovation and Government Regulations

The establishment of international schools in Korea has been a topic of interest for many local governments in the country, with several cities and counties in Gangwon Province now eyeing the creation of their own international schools following the success of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. However, the central government has been reluctant to grant permission for such institutions to be established outside of Jeju and Free Economic Zones.

Interest in International Schools in Gangwon-do

Gangwon Province has expressed great interest in the establishment of special education zones and international schools, following the success of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. Five cities and counties, including Chuncheon, Wonju, Hongcheon, Pyeongchang, and Yangyang, have submitted special plans to attract special education zones and international schools in Gangwon-do, with others showing interest.

While negotiations are underway with the central government over whether to ease key regulations on military, environmental, forest, and agricultural land, there are concerns that the establishment of international schools may be blocked.

Success of International Schools in Jeju-do

Jeju Island has been a successful case in establishing international schools, with the creation of Jeju English Education City in 2011. The region is home to four international schools and enrolls approximately 4,500 students each year, with the estimated annual consumption of students' families in the region at KRW 274 billion. A survey conducted by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province in 2021 found that 17.8% of respondents cited the creation of an English education city and fostering of the education industry as being key factors for settling in Jeju. The success of international schools in Jeju-do has piqued the interest of other regions, such as Gangwon-do.

Government's Position on International Schools in Gangwon-do

Although Gangwon-do has shown great interest in establishing special education zones and international schools, the government has expressed its opposition, deeming it premature. The government has stated that the designation of special education zones is currently being decided by law through three bills, including the "Special Act on Local Autonomy Decentralization and Balanced Regional Development," which is pending in the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee.

The government's position is to wait and see and focus on transferring authority to all local governments nationwide in the long run instead of granting special cases only to Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. While the government acknowledges that the establishment of international schools in Gangwon-do can contribute to creating an international educational environment, fostering related professionals, hiring teachers and staff, and creating jobs, the government is preferring to slow-walk this. The government cites the need to consider fairness with other cities and provinces across the country.

The negotiation process with the central government is ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain.

Despite the government's reluctance to introduce special cases for the establishment of international schools in Gangwon-do, the province remains keen to pursue this goal.

In addition to the five cities and counties that have submitted special plans to attract international schools, many other cities and counties in the province are also interested, even if they have not yet submitted plans. While negotiations with the government continue, the province plans to continue to push for the establishment of international schools to help create an international educational environment, foster related professionals, and create jobs.